Communities prepare for grants

Community Development Block Grants become available

Michael Hart - Special to OVP

Meigs Commissioner President Tim Ihle marches in Racine Fourth of July parade “I told everyone, (referring to the other Meigs offices and candidates in the parade) that people would still turn out even in the rain, and they did.”

Public utilities expert Bob Snavely meets with commissioners following adjournment.

POMEROY — Five of the recently awarded Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) became official county line items during the June 30 Meigs County Commission meeting.

The bulk of the agenda consisted of accounting for some $75,000 in CDBG grants. The CDBG is a federal program for locally desired construction or reclamation. Meigs County pursued a large number of such grants during the spring and summer months.

Incoming money became appropriations, and was then channeled into newly established funds for each project: $5,600 for Salisbury Township street improvements (B029B01), $29,500 for Lebanon Township flood facilities (B029B02), $32,200 for Salem Township fire department (B029B04), $11,700 for administration (B029B04), and $1,000 for Fair Housing (B029B05).

Bills were paid in the amount of $47,127 from a total $292,960.

Commissioners acted on a recommendation from the Meigs County District Public Library Board of Trustees to appoint James Witherell to that body. Witherell will replace the retiring Maureen Hennessy, assuming her position and term lasting through Dec. 31, 2022.

The board tabled a tax levy resolution from the Meigs County Health Department as they sought clarification of some wording.

Commissioner Tim Ihle was pleased to be working on business well in advance of due dates, saying “We have the opportunity clear this up, and be satisfied we have it right.”

At least part of the confusion comes from renewal and replacement having specific legal meanings distinct from their common usages. A renewal levy generates money yearly based on tax assessments in the year the measure passed the ballot. A replacement levy generates money based on tax assessments updated every fiscal year.

“The difference in valuation (between the types) can be significant,” said Health Department Director Courtney Midkiff.

Commissioner Mike Bartrum then briefed the other board members on a June 29 press conference held by the Meigs Historical Society for the “Raiders on the Ohio” production campaign.

The society hosted Scott H. Dockus as he presented information on the documentary that will include oral histories taken from Meigs County.

Bartrum described the mood as “very responsive, people love our history here” and encouraged “young and old all” to attend upcoming society events, including a July 29 Oral History telling at the Pomeroy Library.

The county’s business was quickly complete, but the commission did not adjourn immediately, and entered an extended discussion with Rutland resident Ray Kloes. They fielded the citizen’s questions and concerns over the city water project, and assisted him with access to the many public records related to the area’s water management.

Kloes emphasized the personal impact of water system decisions, but expressed concern at the amount of the commissioners’ time he might utilize by bringing forward his items.

In response, Commission President Ihle stressed, “Everyone should feel able to bring business before the Board, we absolutely welcome that. But don’t feel these official weekly meetings are the only time you can reach out to us, we are always available to answer questions or hear concerns.”

The next meeting of the Meigs County Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. at the courthouse.

Meigs Commissioner President Tim Ihle marches in Racine Fourth of July parade “I told everyone, (referring to the other Meigs offices and candidates in the parade) that people would still turn out even in the rain, and they did.”

http://mydailysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Racine-7.jpgMeigs Commissioner President Tim Ihle marches in Racine Fourth of July parade “I told everyone, (referring to the other Meigs offices and candidates in the parade) that people would still turn out even in the rain, and they did.”

Public utilities expert Bob Snavely meets with commissioners following adjournment.